Following too closely may be considered a minor offense by some. Even if thought of as minor this traffic ticket would not be considered as minor as an equipment ticket such as one for window tint. There may be those insurance companies that consider a following too closely violation as a more serious or major offense, all depending upon their rating guidelines.

The offense of following too closely could become a major or serious offense if you were cited for it under the definition of an aggressive driver. In Georgia aggressive driver infractions are more serious with the amount of fine due and the amount of points. Points for being found an aggressive driver is 6 instead of just 3 for all other moving traffic violations which are not speed limit violations.

Following a vehicle too closely as provided in section Code Section 40-6-49 reads:

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

(b) The driver of any motor vehicle which is drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residential district and which is following another motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle.

(c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residential district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This subsection shall not apply to funeral processions, parades, or other groups of vehicles if such groups of vehicles are under the supervision and control of a law enforcement agency.

(d) Vehicles which approach from the rear any other vehicle or vehicles stopped or slowed to make a lawful turn shall be deemed to be following for purposes of this Code section.

As we mentioned above following too closely can also be cited as a form of aggressive driving. Georgia Code section 40-6-397 describes aggressive driving and the penalty. This part of GA law states:

(a) A person commits the offense of aggressive driving when he or she operates any motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person, including without limitation violating Code Section 40-6-42, 40-6-48, 40-6-49, 40-6-123, 40-6-184, 40-6-312, or 40-6-390 with such intent.

(b) Any person convicted of aggressive driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

If you are convicted of following too closely then this violation will go on your driving record along with the associated points. It will be up to your insurance company's rating system to determine if it will affect your auto insurance premiums.

Some insurance carriers may find this to be minor while others may find this offense to be more serious since it can be risky tailgating or follow too closely to other vehicles on the roadway and not leaving yourself proper stopping distance.